Amtrak Accessible Rooms: What You Need To Know

Amtrak accessible rooms are sleeping accommodations found on all overnight long-distance trains for passengers with mobility issues and their travel companions. These rooms allow passengers with mobility issues to enjoy the views during the day and sleep at night, and they offer other advantages over the other Amtrak sleeping accommodations.

At night, the attendant will set up the lower berth or bed for the person who needs the room, and the travel companion will need to climb into the upper berth.

This article explains the benefits of Amtrak-accessible rooms so you can determine if they are the right fit for your next Amtrak adventure.

These rooms are also known as Amtrak Accessible Bedrooms.

Which trains have Amtrak Accessible Rooms?

Superliner and Viewliner Amtrak accessible rooms are very similar, but I will highlight the differences when they arise.

To see what equipment the train you are thinking of has, check out this list of Amtrak long-distance trains. If the train you are looking at is not on the page above, it could be a regional or Acela train with seating accommodations.

The only Amtrak long-distance train that does not have rooms is the Palmetto.

As the intro states, other Amtrak trains, such as regionals, have extra space accommodations. Often, Amtrak connection services can accommodate needs.

Terms You Should Know.

Before diving in, let’s review key terms to ensure we’re on the same page.

On trains, the beds are often referred to as berths.

Amtrak offers two types of sleeper cars: Viewliner and Superliner, each with unique features and layouts.

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What are the dimensions of Amtrak’s accessible rooms?

Because of the two different equipment styles, the rooms are slightly different. On the Viewliner, the rooms are parallel to the tracks; on the Superliner, they are perpendicular and span the width of the train.

Superliner, the room is 6’9″ x 9’5″; the lower berth is 2’4″ x 6’6″; and the upper berth is 2’0″ x 6’2.”

Viewliner trains; the room is 6’8″ x 7’1″, and the lower berth is 3’4″ x 6’0″ with the upper berth with steps 2’4″ x 6’2″.

How many Amtrak accessible rooms are on each train?

The number of Amtrak-accessible rooms offered on a route depends on how many sleeping cars are on that train.

There is only one accessible room per car. Amtrak can adjust the number of sleeper cars on a train based on the season, staff availability, and equipment. Therefore, room availability depends on these factors.

Two types of cars do not have Amtrak Accessible Rooms.

Those cars are the baggage dorm and transitional, but all the others do.

Where are the Amtrak accessible rooms located?

The location of the Amtrak Accessible Room depends on the train equipment; this is where things differ.

On the Superliner, the Amtrak Accessible Room is on the lower level, past the shower and restrooms.

Superliner Sleeper Car Layouts

Typical Amtrak Superliner sleeper car layout

Deluxe Sleeper Car (only on the Amtrak Auto Train)

Viewliner Sleeper Car Layout

Viewliner trains have an accessible room near the entrance to the car, right before the bedrooms. Amtrak offers two styles of these cars, but the accessible rooms are similar and in the same place.

Will I be sharing Amtrak Accessible rooms with others?

When you reserve or book an Amtrak room, you will not share it with someone you do not know. Your travel companion is the only person you share a room with, and they must be included in the reservation when booking.

Booking Amtrak Accessible Rooms

My best advice is to book as early as possible to get the best price and the date you wish. Waiting until the day of travel could lead to disappointment, as you may not be able to get a room. Prices increase as these rooms sell out.

How many people can be on a room reservation?

You can make reservations for one or two people in these rooms.

If you need a helper as you travel, add them to your reservation when booking. Sometimes, you can add people later, but why make another call to Amtrak if you are already in the process?

How do I book the room?

Amtrak encourages passengers to discuss their assistance needs with them so they can confirm and accommodate those needs.

The best way to do this is to call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TTY at 1-800-523-6590. If you have a status with Amtrak Guest Rewards, you can use those priority numbers: 1-800-307-5000.

When booking, ensure you provide Amtrak with a phone number and email address to which you or your travel companion will have access while traveling. If possible, give that information to both passengers, as this is how Amtrak will alert you to any changes or delays during your trip.

Don’t forget to provide your Amtrak Guest Rewards number or sign up beforehand to earn points toward free travel!

Can anyone book an accessible Amtrak room?

Amtrak-accessible rooms are reserved for those who need them until two weeks before departure.

If no one books them by then, they become available for anyone to book. In this case, you can book it from the website, the app, by phone, through a travel agent, or from a station agent.

When will I receive my Amtrak accessible room assignment?

When you book a sleeper, the letter “H” identifies your room, but the exact car number is determined when your reservation is finalized. Confirm your sleeper car number before ending your call with an agent. If you book online or from the app, you will receive a confirmation email shortly after booking. This email typically includes a PDF attachment of your ticket, which you can print if needed.

If you’re an Amtrak Guest Rewards member or have an Amtrak account, your ticket should automatically appear in the Amtrak app. You can also access it by logging into your account on the Amtrak website.

If your ticket doesn’t show up in the app or you booked without an account, you can manually add your reservation. Open the app, scroll to the bottom, and select the “Find Trip” option to enter your reservation details.

What services does Amtrak offer to those in need of assistance?

Amtrak will do its best to help you, but not all services are available at every station.

Some stations have staff, but others, such as platform or flag stops, are unstaffed. When the train arrives at the station, the crew will assist you.

If you need assistance booking a non-sleeper train or a coach seat, indicate that you need help and follow the prompts. If you don’t, the staff will not expect you and will not look for you, which can be frustrating for you and them.

Station Assistance

Amtrak may be able to help you at one of its many staffed stations. You can search each station to see what services are available, so you are ready either way with the proper expectations.

Onboard Assistance

There are ways that Amtrak may provide you assistance while you are on board the train.

If you receive good service from the staff and are inclined, you can show appreciation in a few ways. Here is my guide to tipping on Amtrak.

Attendants are there to help with your travel needs, but not for personal hygiene. They can help you get to the bathroom and shower but cannot assist you once you are there. If you need that sort of help, you may need to bring a travel assistant.

Note: There is one attendant per car, and they are there to help all passengers. Therefore, they may need some time to reach you, especially during meal and boarding times.

What do you get with an Amtrak accessible room?

Knowing what to expect can help you determine if this is the right room for you and set your expectations.

What meals come with Amtrak accessible rooms?

Amtrak has two types of food service on its long-distance trains, and depending on your itinerary, you may have one or both types on your journey.

These meals come with your room, so there is no out-of-pocket cost other than tips or added adult beverages.

Most trains offer Amtrak’s Traditional Dining, with meals prepared onboard the train.

Your room on the Crescent, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, or Texas Eagle between Chicago and San Antonio receives Amtrak’s Flex Dining.

There is also a café car on all Amtrak long-distance trains that offers a variety of hot and cold grab-and-go meals, snacks, hot and cold beverages, and more.

Can I bring my service animal to my Amtrak accessible bedroom?

You can bring your service animal, but remember that comfort animals are not considered service animals on Amtrak trains and must follow Amtrak’s carry-on pet guidelines.

All you need to know about service animals and booking instructions is on Amtrak’s Service Animal guidelines page.

Will I have Amtrak-accessible rooms for my whole trip?

Your trip accommodations depend on whether you need to transfer, for regional trains do not have sleeping accommodations. But yes, if you have the same long-distance train for the whole trip, you will have the same room unless you do something weird with the booking.

Your trip may involve different accommodations. 

Trips can involve connecting trains or other services, so it’s essential to book an accessible room on every train that offers one.

For example, if you’re traveling from Milwaukee, WI, to St. Petersburg, FL, your journey will include two trains and a bus:

1. Take the Hiawatha regional train to Chicago.
2. From Chicago, board the Floridian to Tampa.
3. From Tampa, transfer to a connecting bus to reach St. Petersburg.

When planning your trip, confirm any Amtrak connecting services during the booking process to ensure a smooth and accessible journey without surprises.

Alternatives to Amtrak Accessible Rooms

These suggestions will not work for everyone or every situation, but they are worth considering.

You could book a roomette for your travel companion. That way, no one has to climb to the upper bunk, and everyone has more room or at least personal space.

If you do not have a mobility device, a roomette may work if you can walk without assistance or use a cane.

Superliner train roomettes are on the upper and lower levels. A lower-level roomette may work better for you, and your attendant can get your food if you cannot or don’t want to worry about stairs. This option could also work on Viewliner trains, too.

A bedroom could work for someone who can navigate stairs on Superliner trains and may only need a foldable walker or cane. Once on the upper level, you can stay on the upper level until you get off the train. If you are on a Viewliner train, everything is on one level, so once onboard, you do not need to worry about stairs.

Getting Around Superliner Trains

If your room is on the lower level of a Superliner train, you’ll need to go upstairs to access the upper level. Most Superliner trains have a café on the lower level and dining cars on the upper level.

Keep in mind that mobility scooters are not permitted in dining cars, and there is no way to transport them to the upper level. However, if you can navigate stairs, a cane can assist you in accessing the upper level.

Your attendant can help bring your meals to your room and may also be able to grab things from the café.

Getting Around Viewliner Trains

Viewliner trains are single-level, but accessibility can vary depending on your car’s location.

• If your sleeper is next to the dining car, accessing it may be relatively easy.
• Navigating the narrow hallways can be more challenging if your sleeper is farther away.

If you can walk with assistance, you may still be able to move through the train, though some areas may require extra effort.

Your attendant can help bring your meals to your room and may also be able to grab things from the café.

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Amtrak Accessible Rooms Wrap-Up

If you have mobility issues, an Amtrak-accessible room could be best for you.

The rooms offer more amenities, including meals, drinks, privacy, and the ability to sleep horizontally. They also allow you to share a room with a travel buddy. These rooms could be great for you, depending on your needs.

Thanks for reading. I hope this article provides you with the information you need. If it helped you and you want to support my efforts to keep quality information available, consider supporting this work.